The tradition
Tuina, a Chinese hands-on tradition
What it is, how it differs from Swedish massage and what a session looks like.
Tuina ("tway-nah") is a Chinese hands-on massage tradition. It is practiced on a table, with the therapist working bare-handed and you covered by a sheet or towel.
The therapist uses the hands, thumbs and forearms to press, knead, roll and stretch. Sessions are rhythmic and often firm, and they tend to stay on one area for a while before moving on.
Sheng Guan trained in tuina in China and works one session at a time. If a stretch does not suit you, say so and we skip it.
What it is not
Tuina is not a diagnosis, and we do not diagnose. It does not replace a visit to your doctor.
Side by side
Tuina and Swedish massage
Two ways of working with the hands. Neither is better; they feel different.
| Tuina | Swedish massage | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | TuinaA Chinese hands-on tradition | Swedish massageA European massage method |
| How the hands move | TuinaPressing, kneading, rolling and stretching, often on one area at a time | Swedish massageLong gliding strokes across larger areas |
| Pressure | TuinaOften firm and focused; you set it and can change it | Swedish massageOften lighter and flowing; you set it too |
| Oil | TuinaLittle or none, depending on the session | Swedish massageUsually, so the hands glide |
| Pace | TuinaRhythmic and steady | Swedish massageSlow and continuous |
| Covering | TuinaA sheet or towel the whole time; only the area being worked is uncovered | Swedish massageThe same |
A session
What a session is
The same four steps, whatever length you book.
- 01
Step 1: Booking and arriving
Choose a session and a time on the booking page, and we confirm by text or email. Come a few minutes early; shoes come off at the door and phones go on silent.
- 02
Step 2: Talking
A few minutes about the pressure you like and any area to leave alone, in Mandarin or English.
- 03
Step 3: The session
You lie on the table under a sheet or towel. The therapist works on one area at a time, and covers it again before moving on.
- 04
Step 4: Afterward
A minute to sit up slowly, and no hurry to leave.
What to expect
Three things to expect
Your pressure
Tuina can be firm. Tell us to go lighter or firmer, and we do.
Your covering
You are covered by a sheet or towel the whole time.
Your exit
You can pause or end the session at any time, for any reason.
Good to know
Questions about tuina
What is tuina?
Tuina is a Chinese hands-on tradition. The therapist presses, kneads, rolls and stretches with the hands, thumbs and forearms, at a steady rhythm. It is done on a table, with you covered by a sheet or towel.
How is tuina different from Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is long, gliding strokes with oil across larger areas. Tuina stays longer in one place, with firmer, more focused pressure and more pressing and rolling than gliding. Both are done with you draped, and both let you set the pressure.
Can I stop, or decline a stretch?
Yes, at any time and for any reason. You can pause, change position, skip a stretch or end the session, and we stop right away.
How often should I come?
As often as suits you. There is no schedule we ask you to keep.
Try a tuina session
Choose a length and a time. We confirm by text or email.